| 41 T T Sue Russell Reputation that can’t be compromised The d team workout of the company’s showroom, workshop and storage facility in Frankton. Waikato Shutters & Blinds REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Jourdan Lee, owner of Waikato Shutters & Blinds, is passionate about the industry and says success comes down to surpassing customers’ expectations from the very first encounter. “We’re about a commitment to bring the highest-quality window-shade solutions to the Greater Waikato region,” says Jourdan, who leads a small but highly energised team working out of the company’s showroom, workshop and storage facility in Frankton, Hamilton, which they moved to in July 2021. Previously, the company was based in Hamilton North in Te Rapa. “We outgrew the Te Rapa site. The current premises have everything under the one roof here, and the view is great,” Jourdan says. Jourdan came into owning the business via an interesting career path. Initially starting out as a Bachelor of Commerce university graduate, working in the banking sector, he traded the keyboard for a hammer and took up a carpentry apprenticeship. “It was at a build site that a customer asked me to cut down a few blinds that didn’t fit their windows as these were standard blinds purchased from shops. Obviously, these were not made to measure. “This got me thinking that there may be a niche market for someone to undertake this type of work. Some sort of solutions to shade, privacy and weather, for indoors and outdoors. We had some good friends in Wellington who were kind enough to host us for a week of work and learn. Next thing we know, Waikato Shutters & Blinds was created.” Jourdan says his background offers the best of both worlds: corporate and commercial in commercial banks, and building and renovations. “This experience gives me the understanding to offer customers tailored solutions and products for their unique situation,” he says. Jourdan’s attention to detail and professionalism were key factors in his being approached by the highly respected Weathermaster brand to be its sole distributor in the Waikato. Jourdan says Weathermaster’s range of blinds, shades, screens, awnings and shutters are built to the highest possible standards and he’s proud to be representing the brand in his region. “Weathermaster has been around for over 62 years and has a rich history in New Zealand. Its outdoor product range, especially the retractable-arms awnings, are second to none in terms of durability, operation and looks,” he says. For those not wanting a solid structure impeding views, Jourdan says retractable awnings are an absolute game-changer. “You have the choice of extending them open or not, and there’s no interruption to the view as can often occur with a solid pergola with louvres. We’re also able to replace the awning material to modernise the look and for customers to enjoy years of continued use.” Weathermaster Kona Retractable Arm Awnings utilise a Dyneema-tape connection over the knee and arm brackets and this is 15 times stronger than steel and 40% stronger than aramids on a weight-for-weight basis. They are UV, chemical and moisture resistant to provide a durable and yet lightweight material that further improves the stability and tension provided by the awning’s heavy-duty springs. Last year, Waikato Shutters & Blinds received an Excellence in Construction and Trade award at the Waikato Pacific Business Awards, which Jourdan is very proud of. Waikato Shutters & Blinds is also an Amotai registered Pasifika business. Jourdan is proudly of Fijian/Chinese heritage, and is a member of the Waikato Pacific Business Network, a group that promotes people from the Pacific Islands establishing businesses here. Waikato Shutters & Blinds has a team of four, and Jourdan hopes to expand the company by growing the team and creating opportunities for new people to acquire the necessary skills and understanding. “I would like the company to grow, but most importantly I want to maintain our quality control and customer service, given we’ve developed a strong reputation for excellent service and that can’t be compromised. “We are also proud to be Totika Health & Safety pre-qual certified. “There is ongoing training for our team in the health and safety space. At the end of the day, everyone should be able to go home safely,” Jourdan says. He supports his team to become trade qualified through BCITO, and sees this as a key investment in securing success into the future. Success, Jourdan says, is a testament to the hard work and passion of the team. “We wouldn’t be where we are today without their commitment and expertise.” Laser Cutting | Fabrication | Production • Celebrating over 50 years in business • Proud to support Weathermaster Hamilton 07 847 7896 www.supremesheetmetals.co.nz 288 Kahikatea Drive, Frankton, Hamilton PO Box 15 253, Dinsdale, Hamilton 3240
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